There have been ample opportunities for trying something new today - new worship formats, new friendships to forge, new stories to hear, new viewpoints to consider. The day has been so rich, in fact, that an additional posting is warranted. It stems intentionally from risks taken in response to recent personal insights, themselves a topic worthy of future writing. For now, it will suffice to describe today's events.
An ecumenical group of some two dozen townsfolk gather on a sunny day to stroll through town. They proceed moderately, with purpose, but without haste. Along the way, there are stops at a handful of prominent locations to take a brief moment in consideration of some of the ways humanity falls short of the Kingdom of God. In between, time en route to contemplate, share with others, and marvel in the bright sunshine. All normal enough, except perhaps for the curious notion of transporting a group so large along congested roads on foot.
Yet certainly not normal, not on this particular day, and certainly not with a companion at once so recognizable, yet so foreign to today's public square. For on this Good Friday, the ad hoc congregation remembers Jesus' own travel through His beloved city and the companion forced upon Him by the failings of friends, the demands of government and the mistakes of misplaced righteousness. Both then and now, it was not the people or the travel that brought notice, but rather the companion - a cross. For Jesus and the disciples, the cross was an abomination, an instrument of brutality, torture, subjugation and shame. Centuries later, true believers still found it difficult to accept, much less embrace. For today's participants, though, it was a potent symbol of death once real, now overcome.
This worship in the world, this meditation among the masses, was a challenge in many aspects. The usual quietude was replaced by cars and trucks, purposeful but in large part patient, maybe a bit curious and cautious. The comfort of a pew was replaced by a light workout and for those who desired, a chance to lead the procession and carry the cross. And traditional, contemplative Christian homiletics were punctuated by long silences and conversations with friends and small talk with strangers.
Still, thanksgiving is most appropriate. Foremost for a bright, early spring day, with rays hard at work melting the remaining snow. And for intrepid sojourners, together courageously highlighting their common heritage. And above all, for the Holy Spirit, that leads ministers to reach out to small numbers; that imbues familiar words with new meanings; that encourages those that can, to do so, and those that cannot, to assist; and that prompts the timid to reach beyond comfort. For where the Holy Spirit is, these things are abundant.
May God grant you newness amidst familiarity and the ability to experience His grace afresh.
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